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Italy once again called on its star goalkeeper — and Gianluigi Buffon came through.

Buffon saved a late penalty kick by Adrian Mutu, giving Italy a 1-1 draw with Romania on Friday at the European Championship. Daniel Niculae was dragged down in the area by Christian Panucci in the 80th minute.

Buffon, a key performer for Italyâs World Cup champions two years ago, dived left and reached back with his hand to stop Mutuâs shot, and the ball then deflected away off the goalkeeperâs leg.

That spectacular save, and several other stops by Buffon, held off the Romanians, who often carried play in the Group C game. Romania now has two points and Italy one, with one game remaining.

Mutu gave Romania the lead in the 55th minute off a defensive mistake by Gianluca Zambrotta. A long free kick by Gabriel Tamas was headed back toward the Italy goal by the defender, but Mutu was there to swipe it and send home a right-footed shot past the charging Buffon.

It took the Italians only one minute to reply. Panucci equalized from close range off a corner kick that was headed toward him by Giorgio Chiellini.

Romania midfielder Mirel Radoi was carried off on a stretcher after a mid-air collision in the 20th minute.

Radoi collided with teammate Razvan Rat while both were going for a header. Medical staff put a bandage over Radoiâs right eye, and he could be seen shielding his nose with his hand as he was taken off the field. Ratâs face was a pool of blood, but he was treated and remained on the field.

Italy lost a goal in the first half when Luca Toni was judged offside while putting in a header.